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Life is precious. Every human being is created in the image of God, and every life has immeasurable value. Yet in our world today, millions of lives are lost to abortion each year. This reality calls us to examine not only what Scripture teaches about the sanctity of life, but also how we as believers respond to those who have been affected by abortion.

What Does Scripture Say About the Value of Life?

The Bible is clear about the value and sanctity of human life. In Psalm 127:3, we read that "Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him." God is the power behind birth - we are simply vessels through which He creates eternal souls.

Genesis 1:26-27 tells us that God created mankind "in our image, in our likeness." Nothing else in creation was formed in the image of God - not animals, not plants, just humans. This makes us special and sets us apart.

Jeremiah 1:5 reveals God's intimate knowledge of each person: "Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you, before you were born I set you apart." God knows each child before they are even conceived.

The sixth commandment is straightforward: "You shall not murder" (Exodus 20:13). This commandment is plain, simple, and easy to understand.

The Devastating Reality of Abortion Statistics

The numbers surrounding abortion are staggering and heartbreaking. Globally, three out of ten pregnancies end in abortion. In the United States, one in four women have had an abortion.

According to the World Health Organization, roughly 73 million induced abortions happen worldwide each year. In the United States alone, there were over one million abortions in 2024, with the trend continuing to rise.

To put this in perspective: since the founding of the United States in 1776, 1.35 million service members have died in all wars combined. Yet since the legalization of abortion in 1973 - just 53 years ago - over 64 million unborn Americans have been lost to abortion. That's 47 times the number of men and women we've lost in battle.

Is There Forgiveness for Those Who Have Had Abortions?

The answer is an emphatic yes. There is no sin that the blood of Jesus cannot cover. You cannot out-sin the cross.

Ephesians 1:7 declares: "In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace." This forgiveness comes not through anything we do, but through His grace alone.

First John 1:9 promises: "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." We must confess to Him - that's all we have to do.

Isaiah 1:18 offers this beautiful promise: "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool." God doesn't just cover our sins - He removes them completely.

Psalm 103:12 tells us: "As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us." That's an infinite distance - your sins are gone forever.

What About the Guilt and Shame?

Many who have had abortions carry tremendous guilt and shame. This weight can be crushing and life-altering. But God wants to remove this burden too.

Psalm 32:5 shows us the path: "Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, 'I will confess my transgressions to the Lord'—and you forgave the guilt of my sin."

It's not just the sin that hurts us - it's the guilt we hold onto. Guilt will tear you up inside, and if you carry it long enough, you forget you're carrying it. It just becomes part of who you are.

John 3:17 reminds us: "For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." Jesus didn't come to put us in jail - He came to set us free from the jail we create through unforgiveness.

How Should the Church Respond?

Research reveals troubling statistics about how the church responds to women facing unplanned pregnancies. Studies show that 36% of women who had abortions were attending Christian churches regularly at the time, yet only 7% discussed their decision with someone at their church.

Even more concerning, 76% of these women said their local church had no influence on their decision, and 49% felt that pastoral teaching on forgiveness didn't seem to apply to terminated pregnancies.

Two-thirds of women who have had abortions believe church members judge single women who are pregnant, and 64% agree that church members are more likely to gossip about a woman considering abortion than to help her understand her options.

What Does Love in Action Look Like?

Romans 12:9-13 calls us to sincere love: "Love must be sincere. Cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love... Share with the Lord's people who are in need. Practice hospitality."

Ephesians 4:32 instructs: "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."

First John 3:18 challenges us: "Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth."

It's not enough to simply avoid gossiping or judging. We're called to love through action. Are we rolling up our sleeves and getting involved? Are we paying attention enough to see someone struggling with a difficult decision or hurting because they made one?

The Power of Testimony and Healing

Real healing is possible. Through ministries that focus on post-abortion healing, countless women and men have found freedom from the guilt and shame that once bound them. They've learned to accept God's forgiveness and to forgive themselves.

These testimonies show that God can take the deepest pain and transform it into a testimony of His grace and healing power. What Satan meant for destruction, God can use for restoration and hope.

Life Application

This week, examine your heart and your church community. Are you creating an environment where people feel safe to share their struggles and seek help? Are you prepared to offer practical support - not just prayers - to someone facing a difficult pregnancy decision?

If you've been affected by abortion, don't let another day pass carrying that weight. God's forgiveness is available right now. His grace is sufficient for every sin, including this one.

If you're part of a church community, commit to being part of the solution. Look for ways to support women and families facing unplanned pregnancies. Create a culture of grace, not judgment.

Questions for Reflection:

  • How do I respond when I encounter someone facing an unplanned pregnancy?
  • Am I creating an environment of grace and support, or judgment and gossip?
  • If I've been affected by abortion, am I ready to accept God's complete forgiveness?
  • What practical steps can I take to support the sanctity of life in my community?
  • How can I help create a church culture that encourages people to seek help rather than hide their struggles?

Remember, the most dangerous place in the world shouldn't be a mother's womb. As believers, we have the opportunity and responsibility to change this reality through love, grace, and action. Let today be the day you choose to make a difference.